Benefit concert honors memory of Jimmy Slack

Benefit concert honors memory of Jimmy Slack

By Katie Green

Almanac Editor

kgreen@thealmanac.net

Jimmy Slack with sisters Maureen Shields and Laura Slack

Last winter, 25-year-old Jimmy Slack of Bridgeville went to see a concert at Stage AE on the North Shore, and never returned home. His body was found in the Ohio River less than a mile from the venue. Now, to honor his memory and raise funds for the Highmark Caring Center, his sisters, Laura Slack and Maureen Shields, are putting on an all-day music festival dubbed Jams for Jimmy 2.

“We have good days and bad days, and we are all just trying our best to continue on and make the most of every day,” Laura Slack said.

The mission of the initial Jams for Jimmy concert last year was to raise more national awareness in an attempt to find Slack. Sadly, he was found before the event, but the show went on and raised funds to cover funeral expenses. The sisters have chosen the Highmark Caring Place, which offers support programs for grieving children, as the beneficiary because it was instrumental in helping Slack’s young nieces through the tragedy. “Trying to explain to three young children what happened is impossible,” Laura said. “You definitely need a professional.”

Highmark will match the funds raised through the event, and Laura said that she is hoping to raise $10,000 for the charity.

Local bands spanning many genres will play, including Dirty and the Mopheads, Coming Up Millhouse, I Claim as Mine, Backwoods Playboys, Mothers Littlehelpers and more. A Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and T-shirts will also help to raise funds, and food and beer will be available.

“Since Jimmy went missing, and even now, the community and our family and friends have been so wonderful and supportive,” Laura said. “It really helped us through the tragedy and get back on our feet.”

The all-day music festival takes place on Feb. 23 at the Bridgeville Fire Hall. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door, or in advance by visiting www.facebook.com/helpfindjimmyslack and sending a private message. The event is for those 18 and over.